You'll learn about the city's rich and varied queer histories and hear the stories of prominent queer citizens of the city, as well as important parts of the cultural scene, including the internationally renowned Mardi Gras parade. Given the often hidden nature of queer history, this tour will provide a picture of what we know about indigenous Australia's view on diverse sexual orientation and gender, as well as the circumstances and stories of our queer forebears during the colonial period and into the early 20th century. We will then bring into focus the period of social upheaval reforms that burst into the mainstream from the 1970's onwards, including the significance of the first Mardi Gras in 1978 and the following decades of protest, partying, and dealing with the HIV epidemic.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 3.
You’ll see hidden histories from colonial times into the 1970sWe’ll start at the Archibald fountain, a location which symbolises the hidden queer histories of the city. We’ll cast our minds back to what we know about Indigenous Australia’s attitude to queerness, prior to the arrival of British colonisation. We’ll then look at how colonial Australia from 1788 treated LGBT people, and how despite the often hostile environment, queer people lived and loved.
At Whitlam Square, we’ll explore how the period of 1970s was the beginning of the gay rights era making claims for fairness and equality. We’ll discuss the role the media played, as well as how the different parts of Australia responded to these claims
We’ll wind our way through the backstreets of Darlinghurst with a coffee/tea stop along the way at a cute local café to Green Park. Here we’ll have the opportunity to consider how Sydney handled the HIV epidemic in the early 1980s, including many successes along with ongoing challenges in the face of homophobia and transphobia into the 1990s and 2000s.
We’ll reach Taylors Square, the last stop, and discuss what happened in June 1978 at the first Mardi Gras at that very spot and why it is still a powerful calling to Queer Sydney today. We’ll discuss how it’s changed over the years, from the general public initially being very wary of it to today, where there is a strong community embracing it in the identity of the city.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Sydney Queer Walking Tour lasts about 2 hours. The itinerary has 4 stops.
Prices start at $53 per person for this Sydney experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Wednesdays and Sundays, starting at 9:30 AM.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
The meeting point is We meet at 184 Phillip Street, which is the Supreme Court of NSW, at the corner with King Street. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
The experience is available in EN, FR, ES.
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 12 participants.
Wheelchair accessible Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 10 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Queer Sydney Walking Tour.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Michael was really knowledgeable and shared many engaging stories that brought Sydney’s queer history and culture to life, including the struggles and key moments in the fight for equal rights. The tour had a really relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, which made it easy to enjoy and ask questions. I especially enjoyed the coffee stop, where there was plenty of time to have a nice chat! A friendly, informative and genuinely lovely experience. Highly recommend!
Michael is a knowledgeable local with great insigth to the history and politics related to the development of stigma, inclusion and society. As we participated in the fabtastic tour during Mardi Gras, we also talked about this. Michael is very sociable and easygoing, plus very helpfull. Go for the knowledge and good company
Thank you John for the lovely comments. It was a pleasure to take the two of you around and share stories over coffee. Enjoy the Mardi Gras parade tomorrow evening.
Great walking tour of gay areas of interest in Sydney. Michael was an excellent guide and provided perfect snapshots of history related to gay life both in Sydney and Australia in general. Highly recommend for history buffs.
Thanks so much for the kind review - it was really enjoyable taking you guys around :)
Michael is expert in all aspects of Sydney’s queer story-both the facts about the past and present. Clear, interesting explanations and ability to respond to all our questions.
The tour was very interesting with a lot of background information. Michael is a very friendly tour guide and we felt very comfortable with him, We would book the tour again and can highly recommend it.
How pleased I am to have chosen this tour. Sydney has long been regarded as extremely Rainbow Friendly but the reality is not so rosy with violent reactions and laws endangering people who are just asking for acceptance and equality. Some paid with their lives. Michael has a wealth of knowledge and loves answering questions.
We would highly recommend the Queer walking tour with Michael. We traveled from Ireland on holiday and didn't know much about Australian Queer history. The tour gave us a great insight and well rounded look at the history and modern day LGBTQ activism. It's a great way to see Sydney through a queer lens and get a real feel for the city.
Such an informative tour of the LGBTQ history of Sydney. Michael is so knowledgeable and had us engages for the whole tour.
This was amazing, Michael was really well informed and engaging. I will definitely book again when I have out of town visitors, everyone should know this history. Thank you!
Michael's melodic and informative presentation style brings to life complex history of Queer Sydney. The tour highlights such a depth that you have the experience of walking through a history. It was fascinating to see places with new details and it enriched my experience of Sydney.
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